# The Holy Cross and the Medal of St. Benedict
*2015-07-11*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Benedict, explaining the symbolism of the Holy Cross and the Medal of St. Benedict, and outlines the graces and indulgences attached to this ancient devotion.

## Why the Medal Matters

The Medal of St. Benedict has been in use since at least the seventh century. Its popularity grew after the miraculous recovery of a young man named Bruno, who was healed after touching the medal. Bruno later became a Benedictine monk, was elected Pope (taking the name Leo X), and was canonized, showing the fruit of this devotion.

## The Symbols on the Medal

One side of the medal bears a simple cross with the letters C S P B at the four arms, standing for *Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti* (The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict). Along the vertical arm are the words “In hoc signo vinces” (In this sign you will conquer). On the horizontal arm appear the prayer “Crux sacra sit mihi lux” (May the Holy Cross be my light). Around the cross are the invocations “Vade retro Satana” (Get behind me, Satan), “Nunquam suade mihi vana” (Do not tempt me with vanities), and “Sunt mala quae tibi dederis” (Drink your own poison). The reverse shows St. Benedict standing before an altar, a reminder of his lifelong devotion to the Eucharist.

## Graces and Indulgences

The Church teaches that the blessed medal can be carried at any time. Those who wear it with sincere faith may receive supernatural favors in cases of illness, epidemics, poisoning, temptation, or danger. The Holy See has attached a primary indulgence to several devotional practices performed at least once a week, such as praying the Rosary, the Divine Office, or a short office to the Blessed Virgin Mary, visiting the sick or imprisoned, giving alms, and teaching the basics of the faith.

A primary indulgence is also granted to those who receive the sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion, especially on major feast days (Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity, Corpus Christi, Immaculate Conception, Assumption, the Feast of St. Benedict, etc.). An additional indulgence is offered at the hour of death to anyone who, even without receiving the sacraments, makes a sincere act of contrition invoking the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary.

The medal also carries partial indulgences, listed in the official Church documents that trace its approval back to Pope Benedict XIV in 1741 and subsequent briefs by Pope Pius XI and Pope Leo XIII.

## Living the Benedictine Spirituality

Wearing the medal is a reminder to pray for the conversion of sinners and for the propagation of the Benedictine charism of prayer, work, and hospitality. Bill encourages listeners to seek a medal, wear it, and join the ancient tradition of rooting out evil through prayer and good works.

*The Medal of St. Benedict invites us to carry the light of the Cross into daily life, trusting in God’s protection and the graces the Church has attached to this ancient devotion.*